The day began with an overnight 'Meet the Manxes' walk and talk for the island's guests. A group of 13 of us headed out into the darkness, eventually returning home at 02:15hrs. It was the first time seeing and holding Manxies for some of the group though we had some Manxy veterans too. In total 62 Birds handled, 25 of which were unringed. Bethany had a wonderful time ringing and did a great job. One bird was we trapped was originally ringed on 27 May 2003. 22 years, 2 months and five days ago!! It was then recaptured in July 03. It then disappeared until July 2009 and was further recaptured on 27 & 28 July 2011. It then disappeared once again this time for 14 years and 4 days, until tonight.
Bethany ringing a shearwater © Steve Stansfield |
Phoebe did another complete Grey Seal haul-out count at low tide. Henllwyn was particularly busy, with 164 individuals counted. Smaller groups were seen at Carreg yr Honwy (11) and Solfach (2), with another 31 scattered around the coast, bringing the total to 208. No pups yet, but the season is edging closer.
Butterflies were active in the more sheltered spots, with 46 Meadow Browns leading the way. Also noted were 21 Green-veined Whites, 15 Red Admirals, four Painted Ladies, and singles of Large White, Small Copper, and Common Blue. Dragonflies were represented by three Migrant Hawkers.
Seawatching through the day was relatively productive in the brisk northwest wind, with 4934 Manx Shearwaters passing through, joined by two Fulmars, 186 Gannets, and a lone Puffin. Other Auks were otherwise scarce, with just a single Guillemot and two auk sp.seen. Kittiwakes were numerous again with 1,894 counted, and six Mediterranean Gulls added variety among the 193 Herring, 48 Black-headed, 11 Great Black-backed, and ten Lesser Black-backed Gulls. A small movement of Sandwich Terns was noted, with 19 individuals recorded either on the rocks near Solfach or passing offshore during the day
Waders included 19 Curlew, five Whimbrel, four Turnstone, and a single Dunlin. A Common Sandpiper was seen flicking along the shoreline at Solfach.
Passerine movement was light but included ten Wheatears, 17 Meadow Pipits and 35 Rock Pipits. Warblers were thin on the ground, with just five Willow Warblers after a seemingly massive clear out overnight, and a single Whitethroat logged.
There were 17 Swallows and just three House Martins seen, and a single Swift headed north during the morning. Finches included 36 Linnets and a single Goldfinch.
A late afternoon shearwater chick ringing session produced six fluff-balls from within their subterranean homes.
Bethany with a shearwater chick © Emma Stansfield |
one of the baby Manxies © Bethany Wilson |
The first Autumn Ladies-tresses are beginning to flower © Bethany Wilson |
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